Menlo Park, Calif.-based Apstra says its AOS platform does something that no other intent-based networking system can do: it automates data center operations across the network regardless of customers' vendor mix.

"We're building out the tools they need so they can present the product and have more difficult conversations with customers about what they need rather than just about the sale," said channel VP Eric Pinto.

'Global enterprise evaluation criteria are placing less emphasis on larger providers, network scale and the availability of large numbers of provider staff to deliver customized capabilities to address site- or application-specific requirements,' the research firm notes.

Cisco unveiled two SD-WAN solutions, Cisco SD-WAN vAnalytics based on Viptela technology and Meraki Insight. The new WAN monitoring products will help differentiate partners offering managed SD-WAN solutions, according to the San Jose, Calif.-based networking vendor.

CenturyLink's longtime CEO, Glen Post, is moving up his retirement date by nearly eight months, and is turning down the position as CenturyLink chairman. Post will be succeeded by former Level 3 CEO Jeff Storey, CenturyLink's president and COO.

8x8 has seen "astronomical" growth in cloud communications sales through its burgeoning channel program. Now, the provider is actively recruiting new partners to drive more growth, especially in the enterprise.

"Cloud and multi-cloud is now table stakes, and if we don't solve the complexity problem, companies will fail in their migrations," said Mike Bushong, Juniper vice president of enterprise and cloud marketing.